THE extraordinary life of soccer legend George Best was only hours from its end last night.

The 59-year-old former Manchester United star was lying unconscious with internal bleeding. He could only breathe with the help of a ventilator.

Tearful consultant Professor Roger Williams said: "George is coming to the end of his long road of ill health. His hours are numbered. He could die at any time in the next 24 hours. Recovery is not possible."

George's son Calum, 24, and dad Dickie, 87, were keeping a vigil at the Cromwell Hospital, in West London. Ex-Man U team mates Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law came to say emotional goodbyes.